Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Estero Island, Florida, has commenced its recovery and cleanup efforts following damages sustained by Hurricane Ian. With the support of an experienced restoration team and its employees, the resort is in the process of working toward reopening to house relief workers and planning for a larger renovation.
“We would like to thank the local authorities for their support in getting the much-needed utilities needed to reopen. It will take time to be fully functional again, and we have a long road ahead, but our goal is to provide housing for all the various parties that will need lodging to help in the rebuild of the town,” said Robert Boykin, chairman of Boykin Management Company, which owns and operates Pink Shell. “We know how important it is for these people to have access to the community, and we want to be able to do what we can to help local residents get the help they need.”
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, a destination resort with 195 condo-style villas, was in the direct path of Hurricane Ian. Although the resort did not sustain any structural damage, there was significant damage to the ground floor and second level including the lobby, signature restaurants and bars (Rae’s and Bongos), and the marina. The resort is in the planning stages for a renovation that will ensure some of the resort’s favorite amenities return, including the giant octopus that was a highlight of the swimming pool.
“We are committed to getting up and running as quickly as possible so that we can support the community, but we are also going to use this opportunity to make enhancements to the property,” added Boykin. “Pink Shell is beloved by guests who have been vacationing on the shores of Fort Myers Beach year after year for decades. We want to thank all of our guests for their outpouring of support, and let them to know that we will be welcoming guests back very soon. We just ask for their patience while we work toward creating a new and improved experience for all.”
Although a reopening date has not been set, on October 13, Pink Shell welcomed back a group of its employees to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts alongside the restoration company, Gilbane Restoration Services. The resort’s priority is to continue supporting its employees and their families as they work toward a reopening plan and getting more of their staff back to work on the property. The Pink Shell Hurricane Ian Associate Relief Fund has been established via a GoFundMe page. All donations will go directly to the resort’s team members who have lost access to vital resources, faced significant damage to their homes or have been displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
For more information, visit PinkShell.com.
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